Jets fire GM Mike Maccagnan, promote Adam Gase to interim status

The Jets have relieved general manager Mike Maccagnan of his duties, the team announced Wednesday.

The team said it will start looking for a new general manager immediately, but head coach Adam Gase will assume interim duties until a hire is made.

“Mike helped to execute the strategic vision of the organization during the last four seasons and especially the past few months,” chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson said in a statement. “However, I came to the decision to make a change after much thought and a careful assessment of what would be in the best long-term interests of the New York Jets.

“I will start a search for our new General Manager immediately. In the interim, Coach Gase will be the acting General Manager. I would like to thank Mike for his time and efforts during his tenure, and I wish only the best for him and his wife Betty.”

According to an earlier report from ESPN , VP of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger was also fired.

Maccagnan, who had two years left on his contract, was instrumental in the team drafting Sam Darnold last year and was part of the group that selected Gase to become the franchise's new coach after Todd Bowles was fired.

Maccagnan, who was responsible for Bowles' hiring, was brought to New York from the Texans after spending 15 seasons in Houston. Heimerdinger also worked with Maccagnan in Houston and had been with the Jets for just one season as the VP of player personnel.

ESPN reported Eagles’ vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas could be the next GM, given his close relationship with Gase.